So I went to get an alignment done today and they told me they couldnt because the ball joints were shot.. They also told me it would be $850 just for ball joints and to put them in.. I say hell no. They wiggled the tire around a little bit on the lift and they said it was the ball joints. my thing is i just put on the RC spindles and my new 33s i wonder if its just something that i didnt do when i put the new spindles on..??

Also if i have to get new ones should i by some aftermarket Control Arms for it or just replace with stock parts?

 

If ya got that much play in the tire, it will wear the tires out pretty bad. Ball joints them self aren't expensive, it's the labor. You can do them your self.

 

i know there not hard but on the uppers you have to replace the whole CA. would it be better to get after markets or OEM? reason i ask is cause i plan on getting a total of 4.5 in the front with 3" on the rear

 

anyone got any ideas? input is appreciated...

 

I went with the MOOG brand, and replaced the lower ball joints and the whole upper control arm (w/ the upper ball joints included). The labor can take quite a bit, but if you have some friends and an impact wrench you should be just fine. There are some great videos online, and auto zone will rent you a ball joint press.

 

Do you have to replace the arms on to top ball joints as well, or just the ball joint?

 

If the arms are original you'll have to replace them. If they've been replaced with aftermarket parts you MAY be able to replace the BJ. There are a few afetrmarket CA's that have removeable joints. I usually just replace the arms-especially if they're old cause the bushings start to dry out and crack with age. If you buy the cheapest ones you can find they probably won't last.

 

In my 2003 f150 supercrew my mechanich charged me 200$ for the ball joints and install the camber kit so 800$ is pretty steep

 

Ya you shouldn't pay more then a few hundred for ball joints 850 is absolutely outrageous

 

I spent more that that on just parts, it was like $250 for all MOOG upper CA w/ ball joints, lower ball joints, and camber kits